Once just a single-level 3bed/1bath brick ranch, the home perched on top of a hill at the corner of Troost and McElroy is full of surprises. To start with, the front door is accessed through a sunroom that was the first of two additions this home has seen, and it opens into one of the home’s original three bedrooms. An unusual configuration, to be sure, but the former bedroom has been repurposed into a lovely bonus room that currently houses a grand piano and would easily convert to either a mudroom or a more formal entry space.

A short hallway leads to two bedrooms and a full bath at the back. Though the humble size of both bedrooms and their closets is reflective of the Eisenhower/Kennedy era, the owners have tastefully updated the spaces with custom light fixtures and vivid paint choices.

The living room is spacious and modern with a wood-burning fireplace and a huge picture window brings plenty of natural light from the sunroom. With French-style doors that lead onto an ample deck, the adjacent dining area is roomy and bright. There’s sufficient space to hold a sideboard in addition to a dining table, and a small built-in desk offers a convenient spot for sorting mail and checking email.

The galley-style kitchen is a real stunner with cherry cabinets, ceramic tile, a double sink, and stainless appliances. A 6-burner Southbend commercial range flanked by butcher-block counters and topped off with a Thermador hood– along with two warming lamps– will surely satisfy the most ardent cook.

Comprising over 1,000 square feet, the walkout basement easily houses a couple of workbenches, a large laundry area, and plenty of room for storage. And, located at the foot of the stairs, a climate- and humidity-controlled wine cellar allows party hosts to keep a variety of vintages on hand.

But the biggest surprise of all awaits in the addition that increased the home by an entire level. A staircase off the main entry leads into a skylit chamber currently functioning as a sitting room. But the main feature of the pop-up is the large master bedroom with vaulted ceiling. It includes a dressing area, two generous closets– one a walk-in– and a tiled bath with an oversized shower.

The interior living spaces in this house are comfortable and flexible and could be adapted to numerous different uses. They require little if any updating, with the exception of the sunroom, which could be modernized with simple cosmetic touches such as painting the trim and replacing the indoor/outdoor carpet with tile, slate, or soapstone.

With both the sunroom and a greenhouse situated along the front elevation, the house is noticeably short on curb appeal. However, prospective buyers might remember the adage about not judging a book by its cover, for the lackluster exterior belies the upscale finishes found within. Replacing the sliders that ring the sunroom with more modern (and energy-efficient) doors and relocating the greenhouse could go a long way toward sprucing up the facade and providing an external appearance more in keeping with the fine quality of the interior.~Each week, a brave local seller invites the Hook in for a candid, warts-and-all review. Email block@readthehook.com to schedule yours today.